Woman indicted for manslaughter in cruel death of adoptive daughter

A 39-year-old woman from Laie, Sina Pili, is currently in police custody following a Grand Jury indictment for manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a minor related to the death of her 11-year-old adoptive daughter, Azaeliyah Pili-Ah You. The charges stem from an incident in December 2023 where Azaeliyah reportedly suffered severe abuse culminating in her tragic death.

Details revealed by law enforcement highlight the severity of the injuries inflicted on Azaeliyah. Lt. Deena Thoemmes from the Honolulu Police Department described the extent of bruising found during the autopsy, indicating that some injuries were so profound they penetrated the skin and reached the diaphragm. This raises serious concerns about the circumstances leading to the girl's death.

On the day of Azaeliyah's passing, it is alleged that Pili assaulted her with slaps and punches for about 30 minutes after returning from a chapel visit. The autopsy identified multiple abrasions on various parts of Azaeliyah's body and suggested potential strangulation, along with rib fractures and significant head injuries. Additionally, she tested positive for COVID, influenza, and pneumonia at the time of her death.

Sina Pili's professional background is also troubling; she was employed as a behavioral health specialist at Kahuku High and Intermediate School, where she was arrested. Furthermore, she had served as an adjunct instructor at Brigham Young University-Hawaii but was terminated upon the school's discovery of her arrest.

As a result of these allegations, Pili's other four adoptive children, all aged 12 years and younger, have been placed in protective custody. This case has drawn considerable attention, underscoring the tragic loss of a young life and the alarming circumstances surrounding it.